Correlation of Red Cell distribution width and Neutrophil to Lymphocyte ratio with Disease activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Background and objectives: The study investigated the relationship between red cell distribution width and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio with disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis. These markers provide insights into inflammation and immune dysregulation, potentially aiding clinical decision-making, and patient management. Methods: In the current cross-sectional study, 105 patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis who were referred to the Rheumatology and Rehabilitation division in Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan region from January 2023 to June 2023 were studied. To gather the required data, the patient's medical files and relevant examinations were used. Disease activity measured using disease activity score-28 and clinical disease activity. Results: The study involved patients with an average age of 53.38 years. Eighty patients (76.2%) were females, and 25 (23.8%) were males. Patient and evaluator global disease activity mean were 5.38 and 4.52, respectively. Mean values for red cell distribution width, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and hemoglobin were 15.4672, 2.3603, 31.611, and 12.773, respectively. Notably, clinical disease activity showed no significant correlation with age, Body mass index, disease duration, or various hematological parameters. Similarly, no significant associations were observed between Disease activity score-28 and demographic or clinical factors. Conclusion: Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and red cell distribution width cannot be utilized as reliable biomarkers to assess disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.